Impulsive acts fueled by ego and recklessness are fatal flaws for humanity, causing many tragedies and unsuccessful endeavors. In The Odyssey, Odysseus’s impulsiveness leads to problematic situations on his journey, highlighting how detrimental rash choices can be in life.
Odysseus displays impulsivity with egotistical and stubborn behaviors that harm him and his crew on their journey. When they are on the land of the Cyclops’ and go into the cave, his crewmates start, “… pressing round [him], pleading: ‘Why not take these cheeses, get them stowed… and make a run of it?’” (Homer 151). His crew wants to stay out of trouble, so they suggest this, yet Odysseus refuses stubbornly and has his own ideas. He makes the impetuous decision to “… see
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When Odysseus and his crew arrive at Ismarus at the start of the journey, he makes the detrimental decision of raiding the place with his men. Recounting his story to King Alkinoos, Odysseus tells him that, “... [they] enslaved the women, to make division, equal shares to all….” (146). They could have taken food and left for their journey, but because of Odysseus’ decision, they act violently and recklessly. Once Odysseus decides they should leave, his men do not obey—they become greedy and begin, “... shambling cattle, feasting….” (146). Because of this, the Cicones attack them and many crewmates die. This causes a major delay to his arrival in Ithaca, displaying Odysseus’ reckless decisions and impulses. In another instance, Odysseus does not use clear thought and delays his journey for an entire year. Their travel leads him and his crew to Circe’s Island, where the goddess turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. Yet, Odysseus thinks hastily to stay with Circe and they become lovers. They live in luxury with her, “… feasting long… until a year grew fat” (179). This delays their arrival in Ithaca. Odysseus’s choices slow his journey, illuminating the problems of his